NC State Basketball Summary

NC State faced a tough challenge against the No. 20 Auburn Tigers in the ACC/SEC Challenge on December 3, 2025. The game, held at Neville Arena, ended with NC State falling to Auburn by a score of 83 to 73.

Coach Will Wade expressed disappointment in the loss but noted that he found it more encouraging than their previous defeat against Hawaii. He highlighted the Wolfpack's inability to capitalize on opportunities, which has been a recurring theme in recent games.

Wade's frustration was evident as he described the loss as baffling, indicating that his team kicked away chances that could bolster their tournament resume. This defeat continued a troubling trend for NC State, as they have struggled to maintain momentum following a promising start to the season.

Players like Kevin Overton of Auburn had standout performances, contributing significantly to the Tigers' victory. The Wolfpack's recent performances have raised concerns about their ability to compete effectively within the ACC, especially as they gear up for the remainder of the season.

The loss to Auburn is particularly critical as NC State aims to strengthen its position for postseason consideration, but recent setbacks could hinder their chances. After this game, the focus for NC State will be on regrouping and addressing the issues that have led to this downward trend in performance.

Moving forward, the Wolfpack will need to tighten their play and capitalize on key moments to improve their standing in the conference and overall tournament prospects.